United States Patent [19] [ii] Patent Number: 5,025,372
Burton et al. [45] Date of Patent: Jun. 18, 1991
[21] Appl. No.: 412,570
[22] Filed: Sep. 25, 1989
Related U.S. Application Data
[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 98,008, Sep. 17, 1987, abandoned.
[51] Int. CI.' G06F 15/21
[52] U.S. CI 364/406; 364/408
[58] Field of Search 364/401, 406, 408, 410,
364/200 MS File, 900 MS File; 235/379, 380;
902/25-29, 41
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,194,242 3/1980 Robbins 364/200
4,334,270 6/1982 Towers 364/300
4,346,442 8/1982 Musmanno 364/408
4,597,046 6/1986 Musmanno 364/408
4,694,397 9/1987 Grant et al 235/379 X
4,739,478 4/1988 Roberts et al 235/379 X
4,742,457 -5/1988 Leon et al 235/379 X
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
0069432 4/1982 Japan .
2076201 11/1981 United Kingdom .
2161629 1/1986 United Kingdom .
2184029 6/1987 United Kingdom .
Primary Examiner—Joseph Ruggiero
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Armstrong, Teasdale,
Schlafly, Davis & Dicus
[57] ABSTRACT
Computer data processing, programming and printing for an improved incentive award program which allocates monetary amounts available for expenditure through credit instruments issued to program participants when the participants perform to a designated level of achievement. Participants identifying information and credit instrument account numbers are stored in memory. The incentive program can be divided into multiple time periods. Levels of performance are calculated and assigned for each participant in order for a monetary amount to be available for expenditure through the participant's credit instrument. Monetary amonts can be withheld from the amounts allocated to the instrument accounts. Adjustments can be made in the withheld amounts and in the achievement levels. Calculations, adjustment and reporting concerning amounts allocated for instrument use, withheld amounts, instrument transactions and account balances are made. Calculations and printed invoices for payment by a financial institution to an incentive company based on the credit instruments issued under the incentive program are made and are dependent upon the monetary volume of expenditures through the credit instruments, the total interest income on the credit instruments, and the number of instruments issued. The tradename or trademark of the company sponsoring the program can appear on the physical credit instruments and on statements provided to participants. Travel and merchandise awards are integrated with the credit instrument program.
32 Claims, 25 Drawing Sheets
